Skype introduced a new subscription service that will offer support for phone calls to international landlines and mobile phones, with one plan starting at less than $2 per month.
The new service, with support in 170 countries across the world, begins at $1.09 per month, according to Skype. The old service only had coverage for 40 countries, and charged more for service. Skype's new service offers calling blocks for 60 minutes, 120 minutes, 400 minutes or unlimited calling. Skype subscribers have the option of paying for one month, three months or 12 months.
With the new plan, it's possible to call a mobile phone or landline to China for just $1.09 for the 60-minute calling block. Unlimited calling to landlines and mobile phones in the U.S. and Canada is $2.95 per month, with unlimited calls to landlines in 39 nations available for $5.95. Unlimited calls are available to landlines and mobile phones for $12.95 per month, with support for 40 countries.
Skype also is putting together a beta test for a new group video chat service so a video conference call can support up to five users at a single time. Beta users will be officially invited to the program beginning next week.
Both announcements further show Skype's commitment to the industry, as the company now caters to 12% of all international phone calls.
